Researchers from the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, along with academics from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities, have warned that significant gaps in knowledge are undermining the effectiveness of vaccinating badgers against bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Wales. The issue is contentious, as bovine TB remains one of Wales's biggest animal health challenges, with cattle regularly tested and slaughtered if found infected, and some calling for badger culling as an alternative to vaccination. The Welsh government said it is currently "renewing" its approach to eradication.

In a new policy briefing, the researchers say key questions remain unanswered, including how many badgers are actually being vaccinated, what effect this has on disease levels in cattle, and how to boost confidence in the approach among farmers and vets. Dr Niall McKeown of Aberystwyth University said vaccination should not be seen as a stand-alone solution, calling instead for better-targeted, measured and evaluated programmes combining genetic monitoring, sett surveys, camera traps and movement data. The Welsh government said its renewed strategy would focus on cattle, people and wildlife, and be evidence-based, while ministers have extended two pilot eradication projects in Pembrokeshire and north Wales.